Magnesium Deficiency: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is one of the important minerals involved in many physiological processes in the body. Magnesium plays vital roles ranging from the conversion of nutrients into energy to the regulation of the nervous system. Magnesium, which is stored in various tissues, especially bones, is taken into the body through diet. Consuming insufficient sources of magnesium or failing to meet this need in situations where the requirement for magnesium increases can result in magnesium deficiency. Magnesium deficiency can lead to health conditions that can negatively affect daily life both in the short and long term. Particularly, magnesium deficiency during pregnancy can increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes and premature birth.

What is Magnesium Deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency, known in medical literature as hypomagnesemia, is one of the frequently encountered nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Since the kidneys limit the excretion of magnesium through urine, magnesium deficiency due to low dietary intake is rarely encountered. However, magnesium deficiency can be observed due to certain health conditions, alcohol, and medication use.

Digestive system diseases such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, fat malabsorption, and chronic diarrhea can lead to the depletion of magnesium in the body by preventing the absorption of magnesium taken with food. Bypass of a specific part of the intestine after a surgical operation can also cause malabsorption (inadequate absorption) and lead to magnesium loss.

Magnesium deficiency is also a frequently encountered condition in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Magnesium deficiency may develop in individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes because urinary magnesium excretion is increased.

Hypomagnesemia is common in individuals with alcohol dependence. Symptoms such as vomiting, malnutrition, and fatty stools resulting from pancreatitis—known as inflammation of the pancreas and frequently seen in alcohol dependents—can cause a decrease in magnesium levels. The use of certain medications can also affect magnesium metabolism, leading to deficiency.

Magnesium deficiency is seen more frequently in elderly individuals. It is suggested that dietary habits lie at the root of this situation. The dietary magnesium intake of elderly individuals is lower compared to young adults. In addition, magnesium absorption in the intestines may decrease and magnesium excretion in the kidneys may increase with age. Chronic diseases developing with aging can also negatively affect magnesium levels. Therefore, magnesium deficiency is a more common condition in elderly individuals.

Hypomagnesemia, which can cause physical and mental distress, is a nutritional deficiency that needs to be controlled and treated. Otherwise, the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease may increase, the development of osteoporosis may be observed, or migraine headaches may be triggered.

What Are the Symptoms of Magnesium Deficiency?

Magnesium deficiency often causes symptoms that individuals may not initially associate with magnesium, yet which negatively affect daily life. These symptoms can be listed as follows:

Muscle twitches and cramps: As a result of magnesium deficiency, muscle nerves can become overexcited, and involuntary muscle twitches may develop.

Numbness: Irregular numbness can be seen in the hands and feet.

Feeling of exhaustion: Mental lethargy and blunted affect are among the symptoms that can be encountered due to hypomagnesemia.

Increased stress levels and tendency toward depression: A decrease in magnesium levels in the body can increase the risk of depression and result in individuals feeling unhappy.

Development of osteoporosis: Inadequate intake of magnesium, which is closely related to bone health, can lead to osteoporosis and bone fractures.

Fatigue and weakness: Low magnesium levels can affect nerve signals and potassium levels in muscle cells. In the long term, this can result in individuals feeling weak and chronically fatigued.

High blood pressure: Changes in magnesium levels can affect blood pressure levels, increasing the likelihood of encountering hypertension.

Irregular heartbeat: If magnesium, which is effective in controlling the contraction of heart muscles, is not present in sufficient amounts in the body, it can negatively affect muscle functions and cause heartbeats to become irregular.

How is Magnesium Deficiency Diagnosed?

It is difficult to assess the amount of magnesium present in the body. As a mineral found in bones, muscles, and connective tissues, magnesium is usually stored inside cells. This makes it difficult to clearly determine the amount of magnesium. However, by checking blood serum levels, the magnesium value in the body can be estimated and deficiency can be detected. The methods used to diagnose magnesium deficiency can be listed as follows:

Electrocardiogram: This is a test performed to check how fast the heart is beating and whether it is beating normally. The findings obtained can be associated with magnesium deficiency.

Serum magnesium concentration measurement: In the measurement performed by taking a blood sample, the sample is examined in a laboratory environment, and the amount of magnesium it contains is evaluated. The normal range for blood magnesium level is 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL. Finding a value lower than these values may raise suspicion of magnesium deficiency.

Urine magnesium test: The amount of magnesium in the urine is checked by taking a urine sample.

Calcium blood test: The amount of calcium in the blood is measured by taking a blood sample. Finding calcium below ideal levels may raise suspicion of magnesium deficiency.

Comprehensive metabolic panel: This is a group of blood tests applied to examine the body's chemical balance and metabolism.

Potassium blood test: This is applied to measure potassium levels in the blood. If potassium is at low levels as a result of the blood sample taken, magnesium deficiency may come into question.

All evaluations are usually resorted to in the diagnosis of magnesium deficiency. A single method may not be sufficient to reach accurate data.

How is Magnesium Deficiency Treated?

If magnesium deficiency is diagnosed, magnesium supplementation is usually resorted to so that magnesium levels in the body are within ideal ranges. Supplements can be taken in two ways:

Oral route: The dosage and type of magnesium to be prescribed by the doctor can be taken in the form of a dietary supplement. Individuals can consume magnesium turned into pill form with the help of water.

Intravenous route: In cases where magnesium levels are very low, the first step of treatment is to meet the magnesium requirement intravenously. Following the necessary injections, if deemed appropriate by the doctor, individuals can continue to take magnesium supplements orally.

Adding foods high in magnesium to the diet: Daily magnesium needs can also be supported with foods. In addition to supplements, individuals can meet their magnesium needs by adding foods rich in magnesium to their diet.

If magnesium deficiency is seen due to a different health problem, the main health problem causing the deficiency must also be treated.

What is the Process After Magnesium Deficiency Treatment?

With the initiation of magnesium treatment and magnesium levels in the body approaching ideal ranges, decreases are observed in the severity of symptoms developing due to deficiency. Since low magnesium levels can create drops in calcium and potassium levels, supplementation for both minerals may be required. Whether treatment is needed for hypokalemia (potassium deficiency) and hypocalcemia (calcium deficiency) is determined by the doctor.

Magnesium is a mineral that can accumulate in the body. In case of taking more magnesium than needed, the proportion of magnesium in the body may increase in the long term, and magnesium poisoning can be seen in individuals. This rarely encountered condition can cause symptoms such as irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, and vomiting. To prevent magnesium poisoning, it is extremely important to take as much magnesium as your doctor recommends.

Frequently Asked Questions

The effect of magnesium deficiency on weight gain has not been proven yet. However, thanks to magnesium's regulatory effect on energy metabolism and insulin levels, it is thought that there is a relationship between magnesium and ideal weight. Some experts suggest that an increase in blood sugar may be seen due to the deficiency negatively affecting insulin levels and may lead to weight gain in the long term. Various blood evaluations are performed in the diagnosis of magnesium deficiency. Serum magnesium concentration measurement can provide information about suspicions regarding magnesium deficiency by making it possible to learn the amount of magnesium present in the blood. Hair loss is not one of the frequently encountered symptoms of magnesium deficiency. In a study conducted on magnesium supplements, it was observed that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) taking magnesium supplements could help with hair loss problems. Magnesium has effects on cellular timekeeping and the regulation of circadian rhythm. There are various studies showing that insufficient serum magnesium levels can cause low-quality sleep or insomnia. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency during pregnancy include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle twitching, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite, and poor memory problems. In cases where the deficiency is at a severe level, the risk of premature birth, fetal development problems, and gestational diabetes may increase. It is common to encounter muscle aches and muscle cramps in magnesium deficiency. Apart from these complaints, weakness, tendency toward depression, loss of appetite, and sleep problems can also be seen. If magnesium, which is closely related to cardiovascular health, is not at sufficient levels, changes in heart rate may also be encountered. A drop in serum magnesium levels can trigger migraine headaches. It can increase pain severity and frequency of occurrence. Due to intense nerve transmission, it can cause cramps in body limbs. Cramp pains developing especially in the legs are closely related to insufficient magnesium levels.

If you are experiencing symptoms of magnesium deficiency or think you are at risk, get professional support from our Internal Medicine Specialist Physicians. Schedule an appointment now to secure your health!